Which cutting tool material is generally tougher than carbide?

High-speed steel is generally recognized for its toughness compared to carbide cutting tool materials. Toughness in this context refers to the material's ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing, which is especially valuable in applications where tools may endure shock loads or impact during machining operations.

High-speed steel contains elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium, which contribute to its strength and durability. It is designed to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures, but it typically possesses good toughness, allowing it to withstand the forces encountered during cutting operations.

In contrast, carbide materials, such as tungsten carbide, while extremely hard and capable of retaining a sharp cutting edge for longer periods, are more brittle. This brittleness makes them susceptible to chipping or breaking under high-impact conditions. Other materials like cermets and high carbon steel may also have specific applications, but high-speed steel stands out for its balance of hardness and toughness, making it suitable for a variety of machining situations.